About
The native form of Arum italicum is less showy than the popular 'Marmoratum' variety but features glossy green foliage marked by a network of lighter veins.
About the genus
Arum consists of perennial plants that develop tubers. They feature simple leaves shaped like arrows and possess small flowers concealed at the base of a yellow or purple, club-like spadix, which is enveloped by a prominent, hood-like spathe. This is followed by the production of red berries.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Europe Asia Africa
- Toxicity
- TOXIC if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist but well-drained humus-rich soil and plant 10 to 15cm deep. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Division of clumps of tubers should take place after flowering. Alternatively, propagate by seed sown in autumn having removed the fleshy pulp
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free